Statement by Sandra Feldman
President, American Federation of Teachers
on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

(President Bush signs the Elementary and Secondary Education Act today, which sends more money to states and requires more accountability of student performance.)

This legislation provides a framework for a national commitment to education. The AFT is pleased and optimistic that the comprehensive legislation embraces a number of positive measures, including the Reading First and Early Reading programs; accountability for student progress and the testing requirement; provisions for adopting high standards in core academic subjects; and the alignment of professional development around the standards.

It is especially significant that Congress and President Bush made this kind of investment in education and to our urban schools at a time of fiscal austerity. This commitment should be instructive to states that are considering sacrificing educational investment because of shrinking revenues.

This legislation is a good step in the right direction. But we will continue to be vigilant to ensure that federal investment and commitment do not waver in subsequent years, particularly for Title I, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and other programs that have a track record of improving education for all of America's children.

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